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Public reminded not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without licence
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     The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (March 28) reminded people not to bring endangered species into Hong Kong without a required licence when returning from visits to other places.

     Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap 586), the import, export, re-export or possession of endangered animals and plants, including their parts and/or derivatives, are subject to control under a licensing system.

     "A total of 146 seizures were made at customs checkpoints from January to February this year," a department spokesman said.

     The spokesman urged travellers to pay more attention when buying plant and animal products as souvenirs abroad. Some plant and animal species are facing the threat of extinction due to over-exploitation, so import and export of such species are regulated under an international convention. Commonly encountered examples include ivory ornaments, crocodile products, medicines containing bear bile, orchids (including artificially propagated species, such as the moth orchid), cacti and pitcher plants.

     "It is not easy to know which wildlife souvenirs are from endangered species. Although some tourist items fulfilling certain criteria are exempted from licensing requirements, people are advised not to purchase such items if they are not sure if the items are subject to control," he said.

     Any person found guilty of contravening the licensing requirements of importing, exporting, re-exporting or possessing any endangered species, even for non-commercial purposes, is liable to a maximum fine of $100,000, imprisonment for one year and mandatory forfeiture of the specimens upon conviction, the spokesman said.

     For details, please call 1823 or visit the related website, www.cites.hk.

Ends/Thursday, March 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 15:01

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